Robert F. Doese

Robert F. Doese, age 90, of Sioux Falls, passed away on Thursday, September 23, 2021, at his home in Sioux Falls. Services will be held at a later date.

Robert Frank Doese was born July 12, 1931 in Sioux Falls to birth parents Mary Ellen Minahan and Dr. Ralph Berry.  In 1933 he was adopted by Rose Doese.  Bob attended Hawthorne Elementary School in Sioux Falls, then Garretson High School (class of 1950). It was there he met the love of his life Ellen Thompson. They wed in 1954 at Zion Lutheran Church in Garretson.  Bob worked at Morrells for 38 years rising to forman. After retiring from meatpacking he worked in airport security at FSD.

Bob kept a home gym before it was trendy,  and worked out every day until a few weeks ago.  He was a member of the downtown YMCA and swam daily from 1950 until their pool closed. There he coached Gray-Y basketball to consecutive championships. Bob was an active and involved parent and grandparent.

Bob was predeceased by a son, Matthew.  He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ellen Thompson Doese, son Todd (Amy) Doese of Sioux Falls,  daughter Dr. Erin James; grandchildren John Doese (Katie Day), Jennifer Doese, Sarah (Thomas) Kocz-Dreis, Ariel Freilich,  Tamara (Derek) Freilich Rodenbeck, Leah (Daniel) Freilich Kozicki, ENS Joshua Freilich; great-grandchildren: Meghan Doese, Rachel ( Wesley) Adams, Tykel Doese-Williams, Eliana Kocz-Dreis, Naya Rodenbeck, Logan Rodenbeck, and great-great grandchildren: Avianna Jenkins,  Anneiva Jenkins,  Joseph Jenkins, Leondre Adams,  Octayviah Adams,  Dauhrio Adams and a birth sister Judy Ramsey of Redway, CA.

In lieu of flowers please send donations in Bob Doese's name to YMCA Youth Basketball scholarship fund to 220 S. Minnesota Avenue, Sioux Falls  57104.